We all have heard and even seen a wireless lighting control system, and at Sparks we have the wonderful Rako Control wireless/wired lighting control system available. But many times we need help with planning a system with Rako Controls. We read the instructions given by the manufacturer via their page, Planning a System, and we are detailing them below for you, the informed visitor, to make an informed decision when purchasing a wireless lighting control system - or a wired one. If you are looking for information related to scene setting, wireless or wired control, how to plan a system, what controls do you need, can you use a non-Rako keypad to work with the system, how to integrate with curtain and blinds, and what are the common pitfalls, read more below and you shall find out! All the information is prepared and posted by Rako - we at Sparks only distribute their items; if you require any quote for a lighting project, do not hesitate to contact us. Read more to find out about:Scene setting with Rako ControlsControlling the Lights via Wireless or Wired SystemsPlanning the Rako Controls SystemRako Controls needed for the SystemUsing Non-Rako Keypads with Rako SystemIntegration with Curtains and BlindsCommon Problems or Pitfalls in Lighting ControlGet a Quote for Rako Wireless/Wired Lighting Control SystemPlanning a Lighting Control System with Rako Controls1. Scene setting with Rako ControlsIt is important to define your lighting zones. Start by grouping lights that need independent control. Think of each dimmer channel as a lighting “zone.” Kitchens, living rooms, master bedrooms, and bathrooms all deserve distinct zones. Even within a single room, consider splitting circuits—e.g., bedside reading lamps vs. ambient lighting—for ultimate flexibility.Scene lighting has long been used in the commercial environment to create appealing lighting in areas such as restaurants, conference facilities and boardrooms. Gaining its name from the theatre where complex lighting changes are needed for each scene, it allows a lighting mood to be recalled by pressing one button rather than adjusting several rotary knob type dimmers. Applied to home use, scene-setting allows a user to select the appropriate mood of lighting for the task at hand (even if that’s watching TV), and all the lighting in the room will adjust to the preferred, pre-programmed setting.There are several reasons why scene-setting is desirable. Most lighting settings are quite repeatable. So why not just press a button to get that setting? For rooms where there are multiple circuits of lighting, a single keypad avoids the need for lots of individual rotary dimmers that all need adjusting before the correct settings are obtained.If those multiple circuits are quite different lighting types, e.g. mains voltage downlights and low voltage LED tape, then the dimmers required for these might well use quite different dimming techniques, and may not be available in matching styles.With a scene-setting system like Rako, the dimmer packs are remote units and can therefore be specific to the lamp types in question. Look at the Rako list of dimmer modules to see the variety needed to maximise the performance of all lighting types!Once a push button style of dimming is chosen, then multi-way dimming is possible, either from multiple wall panels or hand-held remotes. Push button dimming also allows the system to be interfaced with other controls, such as audio-visual or security systems and also allows control from smartphones or tablets via an App. The Rako system allows table and freestanding lamps to be incorporated into the overall control, either by dimming special 5A sockets (for lighting use only) or by installing a wireless module in line with the flex and plugging into a standard 13A socket.Make the most of Lighting Scene SettingCreating effective mood lighting goes hand in hand with good lighting. A good lighting design creates interest and highlights features in a room. A flat, even lighting is fine for task lighting but cosy mood lighting is best achieved by being able to create pockets of light. This takes a combination of design and control.Best Lights for Mood Setting2. Controlling the Lights via Wireless or Wired SystemsWhen planning a Rako system, possibly the biggest consideration is whether to plan for a wired or wireless system. Both can integrate together to form combined systems but which should form the core platform?For a retrofit solution, the wireless option is obvious. Cabling will already be in place so being able to put wireless modules where the cables can be accessed, such as behind downlights, and the lack of data cabling to the switch positions will dictate a wireless solution.For new installations, the choice between wired and wireless solutions is something for consideration.Wireless is generally easier to install and commission. It is usually a lower-cost solution, more so for smaller installations, especially where they can be manually set up.The structure of a wired system, requiring a RAKLink for control panel connections, typically requires more circuits to amortise the fixed costs. The wired keypads are also more expensive than their wireless counterparts.A wired system has advantages in avoiding any concerns about wireless transmission range and the lack of dependence on battery power for the keypads means that they can have backlit buttons. The connection via a data cable allows more information to be transmitted, so there is more functionality available and as all wired devices are connected, the whole system can be interrogated and, if need be, upgraded.A wired system is more involved to set up and commission, and will require the use of a laptop to programme. Larger and more involved wireless schemes may require this too but simpler wireless systems can be set up without the use of a laptop.Rako Controls Wired/Wireless3. Planning the Rako Controls SystemAs a basic premise, a dimmer channel is needed for each group of lighting that needs to be controlled separately. With Rako, this may either be a single module or a channel within a rack. The more groups, or channels of lighting, the more flexible the system is but equally, the cost goes up accordingly. Of course some grouping is obvious, a row of wall lights will always need to be set to the same level, but maybe front and rear wall lights should be separated to allow differential lighting from front to back, especially if a TV is on the front wall.Give some priority to rooms; everyone has their own opinions on which rooms are key. Whilst dimming in a master bedroom is desirable, if nothing else to avoid the harsh glare of light first thing in the morning, guest bedrooms may come further down the pecking order. Bath and shower rooms may be more appealing under subdued lighting but even more so if they're used at night, again when a harsh glare is unpleasant. Are bathrooms often used for baths when a relaxing soak might be enjoyed more in softer lighting? For a true whole house control of course, all the rooms should be controlled by the system and its nice to have, for example, a 'Master Off' button by the bedside to be sure all lighting is off but a complete system is potentially expensive.When considering wet rooms, think of the extract. Regulations may require this to be controlled by the lighting system but again with a separate control module this can be programmed not to come on during those nightly trips to the loo.Open plan spaces may need to be thought of as separate rooms for control. This isn't a necessity, but when a room has two uses, which maybe concurrent, think about how the lighting will be controlled. For example in an open kitchen/living space, will people want to dim the living room lights whilst the kitchen needs to be bright, especially if you're entertaining and preparing food at the same time. Of course, a scene setting system is designed to give flexible control but when you consider, say 4 scenes in the living area and 4 in the kitchen, this gives 16 combinations. If nothing else a panel with 16 scene options is confusing and messy. In this instance, it might be better to think of the space as 'two control rooms' even if there is a 'Master' control for the area. Don't have circuits of lights that span the two areas as these may well get caught in the 'battle for control'.Even within a scene-set room, some circuits may benefit from separate control for instance, bedside lighting. As with the previous example above if the bedside lights are integrated into the normal room scenes the possible combinations of ambient room settings multiplied by the his/her on/off scenarios, let alone with dim level options, can be considerable. Instead, possibly think of either having a separate, normal switch for these, or a separate button, or buttons (for dimming) on a Rako plate. There are solutions for these issues but they are best discussed before buying a system rather than trying to configure unsuitable parts after the event.Hallways are often statement rooms and have lighting that benefits from intelligent control. They do however, also have a requirement for two way control of stairwells and landings. Many users are familiar with the traditional two way switching concept. When planning a Hall/Stairwell area it is worth thinking about how the different floors are to be controlled, both separately and together. Commonly, the best solution is to use control panels with slightly different layouts to give the flexibility required. Examples of these are the RCM072 and RCM102.Think about where wall panels should be located and what they should control. Generally, a wall plate should control scenes within the room itself. Depending on the scope of the system one control panel can be programmed to control different rooms but this can rapidly make the system confusing to use and often clients' wishes have unforeseen contradictions that make programming difficult or impossible.Consider what other controls may be required, such as 'holiday mode' to simulate occupancy. Interfacing to security systems so that lights come on as well as an alarm sounding. Is control from a smartphone or tablet required?If the system is to be integrated with an audiovisual system then ask the AV installer for advice, they will have experience with lighting control systems and be able to help.Finally, remember that at any point Rako will be happy to help with planning a system for you.Planning a System for Lighting Control4. Rako Controls needed for the SystemNotwithstanding variants with different button arrangements, Rako keypads come in one of three basic forms.Wired Keypads - WCM, WK-EOS and WK-MOD – The requirement for wired keypads is fairly well defined in that they are the only Rako keypads that connect directly to a wired network via a CAT5 data cable.Wireless (RCM) and Wireless NFC Keypads (RNC, RK-EOS and RK-MOD) - Both transmit wireless messages to dimmers with RF receivers, the difference is in how they are configured and their programming capabilities.The RCM range of keypads use small switches (DIL) to determine which House and Room they control. These switches are easily changed with a small screwdriver or tip of a pen. Once set the address of the whole keypad is set and all the buttons will control the lighting in that Room. These keypads can be configured without the need for programming software.Some advanced features can be set by pressing and holding certain button arrangements (see the application sheet Advanced Control Panel Features) or by programming macros in a Hub that supports these.The NFC range of keypads (RNC, RK-EOS and RK-MOD) have no addressing switches and are programmed exclusively by NFC (Near Field Communication) via a Hub or RAMPI programming interface connected to a PC or Mac and using RASOFT Pro software. Programming requires a working knowledge of the Rako software but does give access to more features than the RCM range keypads.Full Range of Rako Controls5. Using Non-Rako Keypads with Rako SystemRako’s scene-setting keypads rely on push-button control to recall the moods or scenes of lighting. Whilst the plates are available in a wide range of finishes to suit most interiors, there are instances where either the modern look of the push button keypad is not appropriate or where a switch plate style has been chosen and the Rako keypads must match. For these instances, Rako can provide the solution in the form of the RCI-4L and RCI-7M interface units. Both accept inputs from third-party switches and convert these into Rako scene commands. The RCI-4L takes latching inputs, such as those given by a conventional light switch or toggle or dolly-type switch. The RCI-7M accepts momentary inputs such as those from ‘retractive’ or spring-loaded switches.Switches and Keypads at Sparks6. Integration with Curtains and BlindsCurtain and blind control can be integrated into a Rako lighting system, or indeed be used in a stand-alone configuration. As with all things Rako, the solution can be wired or wireless. As well as control, Rako can now also supply blinds and curtain track from our partners QMotion UK and Silent Gliss, the leading UK suppliers of quality blinds and track.7. Common Problems or Pitfalls in Lighting ControlKeep it simple. Despite the technology behind a control system, the user controls should be simple and easy to use. Rako knows that all users are different and that systems can be programmed to alarming degrees of complexity. Some users might revel in this but experience shows that the best results are achieved by clear, easy programming. Rako’s suggestion would be that keypads should give similar control throughout the house, e.g. a series of scenes in descending order of brightness. Scenes should control the room where the keypad is located in. Controlling remote rooms is possible, but should be considered carefully as it often has unforeseen implications.Rako engineers, both field and office-based have years of experience with programming control systems. It's always worth consulting before planning how buttons are configured. That said, Rako control panels can be set with advanced functions such as ‘Master Off’. As Rako Controls has plenty of experience with common programming scenarios, there are often practical ways of overcoming these and button layouts are available as standard to suit.Another common downfall is for customers to buy dimmers and fittings before consulting with Rako or a Rako dealer. Ensuring compatibility between fittings and dimmers can be a complex process, as can be selecting lamps and drivers with the best dimming performance. At Rako, we are happy to spend time helping customers make these decisions. It is far better to talk to us beforehand and get things right rather than afterwards when there is a problem that needs sorting out.Best Wireless Lighting Control8. Get a Quote for Rako Wireless/Wired Lighting Control SystemRegardless of whether you ask Rako directly or go through a Rako dealer or installer, having a good idea of the lighting scheme, control points and rooms to be controlled is vital. Without firm information, it will be possible to give indicative and budget pricing but no more.For an accurate quote, the information should give a schedule of the lighting to be controlled, broken down into the separate groups or channels that require individual control. Each channel should detail the number of individual lights and their type, including, if possible, exact lamp information.The schedule should also give the number of control points (keypads) required for each room and the finish of the plates. Any further control requirements such as smartphone control or timed event,s should also be detailed.Request a Rako Controls Quote